Washington man faces charges

A Washington man faces several charges after he allegedly kept an ambulance crew from Washington Ambulance and Chair Service tied up for more than 20 minutes Friday.

Police said the encounter was one of three involving Troy Humphries, 32, of 139 Violet Ave.

Jarika Armstrong of 73 E. Walnut St. told city police about 9 a.m. that she suspected Humphries of stealing three pills of her prescription medication. She told police she had allowed Humphries to stay with her.

About 11:40 a.m., Humphries called police to report he had been robbed of $200 and his cellphone.

Humphries told city police he was a passenger in a vehicle operated by a friend whose name he did not know, but thought he may have been named “T.J.”

According to Humphries, the unidentified friend stopped his vehicle on West Chestnut Street near Hayes Avenue and told Humphries to get out. Humphries told police he was forcibly removed by the driver and three other men who were in another vehicle.

The men allegedly assaulted Humphries and stole the cash and phone. A passing motorist told police he had just observed a suspected drug transaction between Humphries and the other men in a nearby parking lot.

About 7:20 p.m., police were called to the CVS store at 125 W. Beau for a report of a man on the telephone who called 911 saying he was in need of medical assistance.

When the ambulance crew arrived, the man, later identified by police as Humphries, reportedly started arguing with them and refused their care.

Police gave him several chances to change his mind about going to one of the local hospitals, but he refused.

Police said Humphries had been treated after the earlier assault. Humphries wanted to go to Monongahela Valley Hospital because he said the staff at Washington and Canonsburg General hospitals would not give him pain medication.

The ambulance crew, who had been tied up with Humphries for about 20 minutes, was given the OK to leave by police.

The crew reportedly missed three other calls for assistance while dealing with Humphries.

Police said Humphries will be charged with disorderly conduct and obstructing emergency services.